Popovich: Magic knew their needs

Published 12:00 am, Sunday, December 26, 2010

Pop: Magic knew needs

Was it panic that prompted the Magic to trade 40 percent of the lineup that started against the Celtics in last season's Eastern Conference finals?

When the league's most powerful big man starts pondering a future elsewhere, it's probably a good idea to do something to restore his comfort level. And at least one league executive with a solid track record when it comes to maintaining a championship core believes Orlando GM Otis Smith did the right thing.

“Their coaching staff and management team knows what their team is all about,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who also is the club's president of basketball operations. “They know what they need; they know if they're good enough, or not; they know if the team has the belief; they know if the trust is there; if the confidence is there; they know if a change has to be made.

“... They've been to the Finals and know what it takes. The fact they did what they did tells you they knew a change had to be made.

Sports Channel

“Personally, I think they've got a hell of a chance that this is going to make it right.”